Panther Falls

Panther Falls is a waterfall on Nigel Creek in Banff National Park, dropping through a rock notch into a narrow gorge below the Icefields Parkway’s Big Bend. It is a worthwhile stop for a close look at a substantial cascade, but the clearer view takes a steep walk below the pullout. Bridal Veil Falls is a separate, longer cascade across the valley.

Use the broad loop pullout at the top of Big Bend; Big Bend Viewpoint is a different stop. The path used for the falls begins at the southeast edge of the parking area and descends switchbacks beside the cliffs. Its entrance is not obvious to everyone, and the descent can be muddy or slick near the bottom, so take care on wet or icy ground. A faint branch climbs to an exposed rocky outcrop above the falls; skip that scramble and use the lower viewing area.

Nigel Creek comes down from Nigel Pass between Cirrus Mountain and Nigel Peak. The falls are described as about 66 metres high and 20 metres wide. At the cliff, the creek squeezes through a narrow crack and strikes a projecting ledge, making a broad plume of spray that can partly hide the bottom.

From the lower viewing area, frame the notch, plunge, and some of the layered gorge walls; the rock gives the white water scale. Spray can soften detail at the bottom. The higher outcrop offers a top-down angle, but its exposed, slippery approach is a poor trade for a picture.